Category: South Africa Government

Convicted murderer and rapist Thulani Gcaleka has been rearrested following his escape from custody just over a month ago.

According to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Gcaleka was rearrested in Gauteng during the early hours of Tuesday after escaping from the Sevontein Correctional Centre, under the Pietermaritzburg Management Area in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, established a dedicated Track and Tracing Team within his office to focus on high-profile and high-risk escapees.

“This specialised team works to augment and support existing regional capabilities, ensuring a coordinated and intensified response to such incidents. The rearrest of offender Gcaleka is a direct result of these strengthened efforts,” the department said.

The offender escaped while he was part of a cleaning work team assigned to duties at the prison farm.

He is serving a life sentence for attempted murder, attempted rape, rape, common robbery and housebreaking with the intent to commit an offence.

“The department reiterates that escaping from lawful custody is a serious offence and will not be tolerated. Escapees pose a significant risk to public safety, and the department remains resolute in ensuring that all those who evade custody are swiftly traced and returned.

“Offender Gcaleka will face additional criminal charges arising from his escape from lawful custody. Internally, he will be reclassified to a higher security category and transferred to a maximum-security correctional facility,” the DCS added.

Following the escape, DCS announced that an internal investigation was underway to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.

“[Now], the Department confirms that disciplinary processes related to the circumstances surrounding the escape are ongoing, to ensure that appropriate action is taken against those found to have been negligent or complicit,” the DCS stated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address at the News24 On the Record Summit kicking off on Thursday.

The summit will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) under the theme: “5 million jobs in 10 years”.

“The aim of the summit is to find practical solutions that will reach this employment target in 10 years.

“In support of the National Dialogue announced by President Ramaphosa, this News24 gathering involves small groups of expert practitioners in areas that have an impact on growth and jobs,” a Presidency statement on Tuesday said.

A wide range of participants including South African businesspeople, civil society representatives, civil servants, trade union leaders, key international stakeholders and political leaders are expected to attend.

“The On the Record summit follows a nine-month research project undertaken by News24 and the Africa Centre to consult around 60 influential South Africans across academia, business and civil society on tangible solutions that could be implemented to create five million jobs in the next decade,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has executed search and seizure and preservation orders to secure evidence and assets against six people alleged to have under-declared taxable income exceeding R45 million, resulting in income-tax prejudice of about R18 million.

SARS has been investigating allegations that customs-inspection teams colluded with clearing agents and importers to manipulate physical inspections in exchange for cash bribes.

The latest actions taken by SARS relate to six current and former SARS employees and related taxpayers and traders.

According to SARS, the persons in question allegedly failed to comply with their statutory obligations as taxpayers by participating in a corrupt scheme that has directly prejudiced all honest taxpayers and traders and the fiscus.

“We cannot tolerate any acts of corruption. This is a red line that no one must cross, and no position inside or outside SARS places anyone above the law.

“Where evidence points to criminality, SARS will detect and pursue it, disrupt the scheme, and recover what is owed to the fiscus,” SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said on Tuesday in a statement.

The law enforcement operation demonstrates that SARS is fully behind the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme announced by President Ramaphosa in his  State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

“SARS is committed to eradicating all forms of corruption, collusion, and criminal subversion of customs and tax processes, internally and externally. SARS’s Illicit Economy Strategy prioritises corruption and fraud in government departments.”

The revenue service said it is disrupting and dismantling the illicit economy, organised corruption, and fraud linked to customs and tax processes. 

“These crimes damage and displace legitimate economic activities. Economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for all South Africans are at stake. 

“SARS’s enforcement actions align with the organisation’s strategic objective to make compliance easier and noncompliance hard and costly. 

“To give full effect to the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, SARS will work with  South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to yield successful criminal investigations and prosecutions.”

Kieswetter praised teams involved in the investigation and reiterated that SARS exists to serve South Africans. 

“Far too many of our employees work diligently, with utmost dedication and integrity, in pursuit of that higher purpose, for their efforts to be undermined by a few who choose to collude with criminals,” he said.

The Commissioner stressed that corrupt officials betray public trust and undermine the state. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to preside over the presentation of title deeds to claimant groups who were previously dispossessed of their land rights in KwaZulu-Natal.

The ceremony will be held on Friday at uMzimkhulu in the province’s Harry Gwala District Municipality.

“The handover ceremony, which represents the reinstatement of the affected communities’ rights in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act. 

“The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, led by Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, will restore over 17 000 hectares of land to four claimant communities: the St Paul Community, the Ngunjini Community, the Ndzimankulu/Vierkant Community, and the Lawrence Family,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The statement noted that the handover marks a “significant milestone in government’s ongoing efforts to redress historical land dispossession and restore land rights to rightful beneficiaries”.

Furthermore, the ceremony will also demonstrate government’s commitment to “advancing human dignity, freedom, and an inclusive economy grounded in equitable spatial justice”.

“The event will also acknowledge progress made in resolving land claims and transferring land ownership to beneficiary communities.

“Land restitution remains a critical mechanism for addressing the injustices of the past by restoring access to land rights, including ownership and opportunities for sustainable development.

“This contributes to improved household welfare, economic growth, poverty alleviation, and a better quality of life for affected communities,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has dismissed as false and misleading a social media claim alleging that a student received a payment of R630 434.44 from the scheme.

In a statement, NSFAS said preliminary verification indicates that the image circulating online has been manipulated and appears to be AI-generated and does not correspond with any legitimate NSFAS transaction.

The scheme confirmed that no such payment has been made by NSFAS.

According to NSFAS, the student in question created this content for social media purposes, likely to gain traction as part of content creation opportunities on digital platforms.

NSFAS further clarified that the scheme does not disburse large lump-sum payments directly to students. Funding allocations are paid directly to universities, which then administer approved student allowances in accordance with established funding guidelines.

“These systems are governed by strict financial controls and oversight mechanisms,” NSFAS said.

The scheme has assured students, institutions, and the public that its systems remain secure and that no irregular payment or breach associated with this claim has occurred.

NSFAS added that the creation and circulation of false or misleading information that misrepresents its operations is taken seriously. The scheme warned that it reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal action against individuals who deliberately create or distribute misinformation that harms its reputation and integrity.

Members of the public have been urged to rely on official NSFAS communication platforms for verified information. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecast shows that cloudy and cool conditions will persist over the eastern parts of the country, with scattered rain and showers possible over Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng on Tuesday. 

Otherwise, partly cloudy and warm conditions are expected with isolated showers and thundershowers over the central and southern parts of the country, but scattered over the Western Cape and the western half of the Eastern Cape.

For Wednesday and Thursday, cloudy and cool conditions are expected in the east. 

Otherwise, partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible over the central and eastern parts of the country.

“Members of the public and stakeholders are strongly urged to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, as warnings will be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain from distributing such information further,” the weather service said.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:

Tuesday – low to medium chance of heavy rain in the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 

Wednesday –  Medium chance of heavy rain in the Eastern Cape, eastern parts of the Western Cape and eastern parts of the North West. 

Thursday –  Low to medium chance of heavy rain in Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, eastern parts of the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. 

Friday – Medium chance of heavy rain in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and southern parts of the Free State. 

Saturday – medium chance of rain in the Free State, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Sunday – Low to medium chance of heavy rain in the northern parts of the Northern Cape and North West. 

Possible severe thunderstorms:

Tuesday – low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Wednesday – Low chance of severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Cape, eastern parts of Western Cape and eastern parts of North West.

Thursday – Low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, eastern parts of the Western Cape and Mpumalanga.

Friday – Medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and southern parts of the Free State.

Saturday – Low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Free State, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Sunday – Low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the northern parts of the Northern Cape and North West. 

–SAnews.gov.za

 

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What started as a response to persistent waste and sanitation challenges in Sondela informal settlement has evolved into a beacon of hope, dignity, and sustainability through the Phepafatso Project.

Spearheaded with the support of Community Development Worker (CDW), Deliwe Makhuba, the initiative is changing lives by turning waste into opportunity, improving sanitation, promoting environmental awareness, and strengthening food security within the community.

The Community Development Workers – under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in the North West – continue to play a pivotal role in driving such grassroots development.

Acting as a bridge between government and communities, CDWs empower residents, facilitate access to services, and promote self-reliance through community-led solutions.

In Sondela, Makhuba’s hands-on approach and close collaboration with residents have been instrumental in shaping the Phepafatso Project into a sustainable and impactful initiative.

“Through this programme, the organisation conducts awareness campaigns in schools and within the community on responsible waste management and the importance of waste separation.

“Community members are also mobilised to participate in clean-up campaigns and to transform illegal dumping sites into productive green spaces, including vegetable gardens that contribute to improved household food security,” said Ipeleng Mokotelakwena, Project Coordinator.

A standout feature of the project is its innovative sanitation solution, designed to address the challenges associated with basic sanitation in informal settlements. The system separates liquid and solid waste, enabling solid waste to be safely processed and converted into fertiliser for use in community gardens, closing the loop between sanitation and food production.

This approach not only addresses critical sanitation challenges but also promotes environmental sustainability and supports local agriculture development.

The project was initially established with the support of Doctors Without Borders, an international humanitarian organisation that previously implemented a Gender-Based Violence programme in Rustenburg.

Upon concluding its intervention, the organisation sought to leave behind a sustainable initiative that would continue to support former employees, beneficiaries, and residents of the Sondela community.

The success of the Phepafatso Project has drawn national attention. It was recently showcased to Community Development Workers from different provinces during the Quarterly National Coordinators Forum held at Sun City Resort.

The forum serves as a key national platform where Community Development Workers showcase successful community-based initiatives that have been established and nurtured through their direct engagement with communities.

The Quarterly National Coordinators Forum engaged on strengthening the Community Development Worker Programme and sharing best practices that advance community-driven development.

As the Phepafatso Project continues to grow, it stands as a testament to how local leadership, community participation, and innovative thinking can turn everyday challenges into lasting solutions. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to implement its nationwide crime prevention and combating operations, which has resulted in the arrests of 16 648 suspects for various offences in recent days.

These crime-fighting interventions conducted between 09 and 15 March 2026 which yielded successes across multiple provinces, included tracking down and apprehending 2 048 wanted individuals linked to murder, attempted murder, carjacking, rape, assault grievous bodily harm (GBH), house and business robberies.

Among these arrests is a suspected gunman who allegedly shot and killed Marius Van Der Merwe (Witness D) a key witness in the Madlanga Commission of inquiry, in Johannesburg on 14 March 2026. The team seized the vehicle which was allegedly used in the commission of the crime. 

In dismantling an insurance murder-for -payout syndicate, police arrested six more suspects on 10 March 2026. The suspects are linked to a R10 million insurance scam led by the alleged mastermind a former police officer Rachel Kutumela. The arrests included relatives of Kutumela and a sangoma.

A seventh suspect, Rachel Kutumela’s other brother, Robert Shokane handed himself over to the police, bringing the total number of arrests to 11.

During these operations, a devastating blow was struck against those destroying the economy through the illicit trade.

“Police seized large quantities of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated value of R25 million during a raid at a warehouse in Nirvana area, Polokwane and arrested a 39-year-old Indian national believed to be facility manager. Furthermore, 14 suspects were also arrested for possession of illegal cigarettes,” said the SAPS in a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, counterfeit goods worth R80 million were confiscated in a two-day operation in Musina and Thohoyandou in Limpopo. Law enforcement raided 33 shops and seized 171,418 counterfeit items including clothing, shoes, jewellery and consumables.

Other arrests include the apprehension of 137 suspects arrested for murder , 125 suspects arrested for attempted murder, 121 suspects arrested for rape of which the majority of the arrests were made in Gauteng (35). A further 1 586 suspects were arrested for assault (GBH) while 642 individuals were nabbed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs among others. 

When coming to confiscations and recoveries, police seized 194 unlicensed firearms and 3 888 rounds of ammunition among others. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The North West Department of Education has moved to dispel misleading information currently circulating on social media of a photo of a 54-year-old woman allegedly arrested for beating a 12-year-old learner to death for not wearing proper school uniform.

In a statement issued on Monday, following a joint investigation with the South African Police Service, the department confirmed that the story attached to the widely shared image is false.

The department said the incident did not occur in any school within the province.

According to the department, the content was deliberately fabricated and shared on social media with the intention to mislead the public and tarnish the department’s image.

The provincial department has condemned the spread of misinformation and urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it on digital platforms.

Anyone with credible information related to the matter is encouraged to report it to the relevant authorities.

Reaffirming its commitment to the safety and the  wellbeing of all learners, the department said it will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to address and counter misinformation that may cause panic or reputational damage.

The MEC for Education in the province, Viola Motsumi has also warned the public against the sharing of unverified content.

“The public is cautioned against sharing fake information that has not been verified with the department. The primary purpose of these circulating messages is to mislead and cause panic among members of the public.”

Motsumi also emphasised the department’s ongoing commitment to protect the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of both learners and educators in schools.

She added that challenges within schools will continue to be addressed in an honest and transparent manner.

The department reiterated that the public should rely on information shared through its official communication channels to ensure its authenticity. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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